1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of Lincoln Electric 6013 Stick Electrodes. The E6013 electrode is a general-purpose, all-position electrode designed for welding mild steel. It offers a smooth, stable arc, low spatter, and easy slag removal, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including light fabrication, repair work, and sheet metal welding.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure proper operation and safety.
2. Safety Information
Welding operations involve inherent risks. Adherence to safety precautions is paramount to prevent injury or property damage. Always consult and follow all applicable national and local safety standards, including those from OSHA, ANSI, and AWS.
- Electric Shock Can Kill: Ensure proper grounding of welding equipment. Do not touch live electrical parts. Wear dry welding gloves and protective clothing.
- Fumes and Gases Can Be Dangerous: Keep your head out of the fumes. Use adequate ventilation or exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and gases away from your breathing zone.
- Arc Rays Can Burn Eyes and Skin: Wear a welding helmet with a proper shade filter. Protect other personnel in the area with welding screens or curtains. Wear appropriate protective clothing.
- Fire and Explosion Hazard: Remove all flammable materials from the welding area. Have a fire extinguisher readily available. Do not weld on containers that have held combustibles.
- Hot Parts Can Cause Severe Burns: Allow welded materials to cool before handling. Use insulated gloves and tongs.
- Noise Can Damage Hearing: Wear ear protection if noise levels are high.
- Read and Understand: Always read and understand the safety data sheets (SDS) for electrodes and any materials being welded.
For detailed safety information, refer to AWS Z49.1, "Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes."
3. Product Specifications
Electrode Details
- AWS Classification: E6013
- Material: Mild Steel
- Diameter: 1/8 inch (3.2 mm)
- Length: 14 inches (356 mm)
- Tensile Strength: 60,000 psi (minimum)
- Container Size: 50 lb. (22.7 kg)
- Model Number: ED010153
Typical Operating Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Type | AC or DCEN (DC- Straight Polarity) |
| Amperage Range (1/8") | 80 - 130 Amps |
| Welding Positions | All Positions |
Figure 1: Lincoln Electric 6013 Stick Electrodes in their original 50 lb. metal container. The container provides protection and storage for the electrodes.
4. Setup
Proper setup is crucial for safe and effective welding.
- Work Area Preparation: Clear the welding area of all flammable materials. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Don appropriate PPE, including a welding helmet, flame-resistant clothing, welding gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection.
- Welding Machine Setup:
- Connect the work clamp (ground) securely to the workpiece or welding table, ensuring good electrical contact.
- Insert the 6013 electrode into the electrode holder.
- Set the welding machine to the appropriate current type (AC or DCEN) and amperage range (refer to Section 3 for typical values).
- Workpiece Preparation: Clean the workpiece thoroughly to remove rust, paint, oil, or other contaminants that can affect weld quality.
Figure 2: A stack of Lincoln Electric 6013 Stick Electrodes, showing their uniform coating and length. These electrodes are ready for insertion into an electrode holder.
5. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps for effective welding with Lincoln Electric 6013 electrodes:
- Striking the Arc:
- Lower your welding helmet.
- Gently scratch or tap the electrode tip against the workpiece to initiate the arc.
- Once the arc is established, quickly lift the electrode slightly to maintain a short arc length (approximately the diameter of the electrode).
- Maintaining the Arc:
- Maintain a consistent arc length. Too long an arc can lead to porosity and instability; too short can cause the electrode to stick.
- Keep a consistent travel speed. Too fast a speed results in a narrow, ropey bead; too slow can cause excessive buildup and overheating.
- Maintain a consistent electrode angle, typically 10-20 degrees from vertical in the direction of travel.
- Welding Technique:
- E6013 electrodes are known for their smooth arc and easy slag removal. A slight weaving motion can be used to control bead width and penetration.
- For thin materials, a "whipping" technique (moving the arc forward and then back into the puddle) can help control heat input.
- Finishing the Weld:
- When reaching the end of a weld, slowly withdraw the electrode to fill the crater and prevent crater cracking.
- Allow the weld and slag to cool before chipping off the slag.
Figure 3: A close-up of the electrode tips, showing the flux coating and core wire. The flux coating plays a critical role in arc stability and weld quality.
6. Maintenance and Storage
Proper handling and storage of electrodes ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Storage: Store electrodes in a dry, cool environment. High humidity can cause moisture absorption in the flux coating, leading to welding defects like porosity.
- Original Container: Keep electrodes in their original sealed container until ready for use to protect them from moisture and physical damage.
- Re-drying: While E6013 electrodes are less sensitive to moisture than low-hydrogen electrodes, if they become damp, consult Lincoln Electric's recommendations for re-drying procedures, if any, to restore performance.
- Handling: Handle electrodes carefully to avoid chipping or damaging the flux coating.
7. Troubleshooting
Common issues encountered during stick welding with E6013 electrodes and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Porosity (holes in weld) | Excessive arc length, contaminated base metal, damp electrodes, insufficient shielding gas (if applicable, though less common for stick). | Shorten arc length, clean base metal, ensure electrodes are dry, check for drafts. |
| Excessive Spatter | Amperage too high, arc length too long, incorrect polarity. | Reduce amperage, shorten arc length, verify DCEN polarity for E6013. |
| Poor Penetration | Amperage too low, travel speed too fast, arc length too long. | Increase amperage, decrease travel speed, shorten arc length. |
| Arc Instability / Sticking | Amperage too low, damp electrodes, poor ground connection. | Increase amperage, ensure electrodes are dry, check and clean ground connection. |
| Difficult Slag Removal | Amperage too low, incorrect travel speed. | Adjust amperage and travel speed for a proper bead profile. Allow weld to cool sufficiently. |
8. Support and Contact Information
For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding Lincoln Electric products, please contact the manufacturer directly.
- Manufacturer: Lincoln Electric
- Website: www.lincolnelectric.com
- Customer Service: Refer to the official Lincoln Electric website for current contact details, including phone numbers and support forms.
Lincoln Electric is committed to providing high-quality welding solutions and support to its customers.
